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Average Price: $2,100
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$4500+
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Description
The Fender Rhodes is a quintessential electric piano that has shaped the sound of countless genres, from jazz to rock. Known for its distinctive, warm tone, the Rhodes has an unmistakable, bell-like sound that can't be replicated by any other instrument. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Rhodes offers an expressive playing experience that resonates with music lovers worldwide.
Equipped with 73 weighted keys, the Fender Rhodes provides a tactile feel akin to acoustic pianos, making it ideal for performers seeking dynamic control. Its compact design and robust build make it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances, where its legendary sound can truly shine.
This vintage instrument is celebrated for its unique tine-based sound generation system, which combines mechanical and electrical components to produce its signature tones. Since its introduction, the Rhodes has remained a favorite among musicians for its ability to seamlessly blend into a wide range of musical styles while retaining its own character.
For those looking to recreate iconic sounds or explore new musical territories, the Fender Rhodes is an instrument that offers endless possibilities.
Key Features:
- 73 weighted keys for authentic acoustic piano feel
- Unique tine-based sound generation system
- Signature bell-like tone ideal for jazz, rock, and more
- Compact design suitable for studio and live settings
- Durable construction for reliable performance
Videos
J3PO
catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Rhodes (General).
Setup and maintenance
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Factory-bumped pedestals on '78-'79 models are preferred for smoother action, making these years a sweet spot for restoration projects.
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Inspect for mechanical issues like bent chassis, stuck keys, buzzing, and hum. Check for crackling potentiometers and low note volume indicating pickup issues.
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Tone bars and pickups often require replacement; missing pieces can drastically affect functionality, requiring extensive repairs.
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Use cases and applications
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A Fender Rhodes typically sounds best when amplified through a tube guitar amp like a Fender Twin Reverb, which is believed to match the factory voicing.
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The Mark V is not considered highly collectible; potential buyers are advised to look inside for damage from overplaying, such as broken or bent tines.
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When testing pickups, note that one dead pickup can affect an entire octave due to series wiring.
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User experience
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Owners emphasize the uniqueness of each Rhodes, suggesting a hands-on trial before purchase due to varied action and tone between units.
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Owners describe the Mark V as having a bright tone not suitable for darker, classic Rhodes sounds like "Riders On The Storm".
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Vintage Rhodes are heavy and not practical for frequent transportation, often leading owners to alternative solutions like Nord keyboards.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Miracle Mod by Vintage Vibe is recommended to address sluggish action, enhancing playability significantly.
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Vintage Vibe offers a refurb kit for replacing worn rubber tips and grommets, allowing for DIY restoration to improve playability.
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Tines and Reeds in Germany and EP Service in the Netherlands are recommended for sourcing parts and services.
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Comparisons
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The Yamaha Reface CP is favored for its portability and simplicity, offering effects and ease of use compared to the heavier, maintenance-intensive Rhodes.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
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Larry Young is credited with using a Fender Rhodes in the liner notes of his album "Larry Young's Fuel," as documented on Discogs.
According to Kewin Apo in "Vince Guaraldi at the Piano" on Scribd, Vince Guaraldi used a Fender Rhodes electric piano on several Peanuts albums, including the Thanksgiving album, and also played it on the 2004 compilation album "Oaxaca".
Jim Beard is credited with using a Fender Rhodes in the liner notes of Bob Berg's album "Virtual Reality," as documented on Discogs.
Warren Bernhardt is credited with playing a Fender Rhodes on the album "Free Smiles (Live at Montreux 1978)," a collaborative work with Mike Mainieri, as documented on Discogs.
Tony Hymas is credited with playing a Fender Rhodes on Ray Russell's album "Ready or Not," as documented by AllMusic.
The booklet accompanying the release credits Christian Bruhn with playing the Fender Rhodes, performed by Kristian Schultze.
"With the Shakes, I have a pretty sweet right now. They recently bought a road-worthy B3 that has folding legs and fits into a road case. So I usually have that and a Rhodes and the Nord Electro. The Electro i normally use for just piano sounds unless the Rhodes is having issues, which happens from time to time."
Album Usage
The Fender Rhodes (General) has been featured on the following albums:
It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown (Original Soundtrack Recording 55th Anniversary Edition)
Vince Guaraldi (2024)
Alive & In Person
Geese (2024)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (50th Anniversary Edition)
Vince Guaraldi (2023)
MOTHERLESS [Feat. Eryn Allen Kane] (Robert Glasper Rendition)
Robert Glasper Experiment & Killer Mike & Robert Glasper (2023)
A Boy Named Charlie Brown
Vince Guaraldi Trio (2021)
Circles
Mac Miller (2020)
Mother
Charlie Puth (2019)
Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)
Calvin Harris (2017)
Discovery (Remastered 2015)
Mike Oldfield (2016)
Do Hollywood
The Lemon Twigs (2016)
IV
BADBADNOTGOOD (2016)
It Was the Worst of Times, It Was the Worst of Times.
Gavin Castleton (2014)
Random Access Memories
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)
Double Booked
Robert Glasper Experiment & Robert Glasper (2009)
Three
Ph.D. (2009)
Intergalactic Soul
Dj spinna (2006)
10:1
Rogue Wave (2005)
Discovery
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Whatever
Oasis (1994)
El Álbum
Charly García (1994)
Live Forever
Oasis (1994)
Mahavishnu
The Mahavishnu Orchestra (1984)
The Many Facets Of Roger
Roger "Rogga" Pettersson & Roger Troutman & Roger "Trotwood" Nowell (1981)
Free Smiles: Live At Montreux
Mike Mainieri & Warren Bernhardt (1978)
Amigos
Santana (1976)
Larry Young's Fuel
Larry Young (1975)
Live At The Rainbow
Focus (1973)
Completely Well
B.B. King (1969)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Rhodes (General), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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